New here ... Considering a Fila would like info

[Dogdragoness]

As most everyone knows, I have been "trying on" different breeds. I hate to sound cliché ... But in the near future i will be taking this place over, which means I will be spending a lot of time here by myself, i think i would feel more comfortable with a large estate type guardian at my side protecting me & my other animals.

Of course I plan to do extensive research on filas before I even make a solid decision but I wanted to hear from those who might have fila or similar breed experience to give me information past the "generals" of temperament & personality, like raising & day to day life with a fila or like breed.

I am kind of apprehensive about posting this because I have gotten some averse reactions to questions like this on other forums, but ... It's not like I have put down a deposit on a puppy from a breeder or anything, I'm just looking for info in order to make a more informed decision.

 

[Iymala]

Welcome. You came to the right place to ask that question. The file owners will be along soon to answer with their wealth of information.

 

[cookiedough39]

You might want to post this in the Fila Sub-forum. Makes it easier for the Fila people to see.

 

[Smart_Family]

I'll move it.

 

[spearchucker]

I have owned Filas for the past 6 years. I raised Chows for almost 30 years prior to that. I have nothing against Chows as they are excellent protection dogs and, like the Fila, tend to be a one family dog. I switched to Filas because they have a 'bit' more athleticism than Chows.

Anyway, this is what I found about my Filas. Other folks on here have had them for much longer and may offer a different opinion.
They are extremely loyal to the immediate family and can be tolerant of other family members/friends, assuming they have been around them as the pups were growing up. My dogs will sorta tolerate one of my son's friends, and even then I keep them on a leash. They love my MIL and my son and my grandson. No one else.

A good Fila will not tolerate strangers entering your home or what they think is their turf, with no exceptions. And if they are in a vehicle, it becomes their vehicle.

If you are a social person, the Fila is likely not the dog for you.


Filas love cuddling, no matter where you are or what you are doing. Sleeping, on the toilet, walking in the yard...it won't matter; they seem to want to have you in sight at all times.

Mine seem to know when it is time for me to come home from work; my wife says they get anxious and wait by the door about 20 minutes prior to my arrival. And at that instant, they will demand all your attention.

When I leave on a business trip (few and very far between now) the dogs will always sleep facing entry ways. When they sleep on the bed, they sleep facing the door. (BTW, if you don't want them sleeping with you, don't start it when they are pups). Even when I am home, they almost always sleep facing a door. We have an alarm system that beeps when a door or window is opened. They go on a higher level of alert each time that happens, no matter what.

Filas are strong willed, and you must be the Alpha from day one. Chows are like that, but are a lot easier to handle.

Mine are not food aggressive at all, not around each other and not around the cat and not around anyone in this house.

Filas love to please. I've never seen the need to strike a Fila for any reason. Once they bond, they know when you are angry. A loud, firm 'NO' is often all it takes. A finger pointing will sent my Filas into a sulking mode.

Off the top of my head, that is all I can think of. The other guys will be along shortly. Ask lots of questions.

Choose your Fila wisely and you will have a best friend for life.

 

[angelbears]

Very well said. They are the easiest and hardest dogs to raise that I have ever had. In the house alone with us they are angels. Perfectly housebroken, they don't chew up things, they don't steal food off the counters. Our girl is a bed whore but all you have to do is tap here on the butt and she will get off the bed, let you take your space then find her own little piece of the bed. If she is snoring you have to tap pretty hard. LOL

When strangers enter the picture, it is a whole different story. My male dove through our front window, around 9 months when our neighbor knocked on the front door. The window is now bullet proof glass, covered so he can't see out and there is a sign on the door," Please don't knock or ring bell". He doesn't jump up on the window,(my GSD broke a couple that way, by accident) He dives through the window. When my male was younger I went ass surfing more times then I care to admit. If he saw someone coming up to his yard game was on. At about 3 years old he calmed down a lot.

They generally only accept the people they live with. We are not joking when we say that they will not accept Uncle Bob and Aunt Boo Boo, even though they come to visit every 3 months. If you have kids, their friends are not your Fila's friends.

They are wonderful dogs as long as you understand what you have and you take precautions to keep society safe and your dog safe.

 

[dogman#1]

I hate aunt boo boo anyway...The kids are scared of her cause she has a bigger mustache than their father.

 

[fila4me]

I have some questions for you, what dog experience have you had? why the Fila?do you have a trainer that has trained w/Filas?the wrong training can go very badly!do you have a vet that is familiar with all of the Fila quirks?who all lives in your home?will your Fila travel with you or stay home?do you plan on starting intros to your dog sitter while a puppy?

 

[Dogdragoness]

Thanks for all the info! I really appreciate it thanks to all the great info I have been getting, I have decided that this breed might be too intense for me, but I have enjoyed learning about them & would like to know more

 

[aceoutdoor]

Thanks for all the info! I really appreciate it thanks to all the great info I have been getting, I have decided that this breed might be too intense for me, but I have enjoyed learning about them & would like to know more

Glad you made a responsible decision. They are special, but not for most people. There are alot of johnny come lately Fila breeders who will sell the dogs to anyone. Any other breeds you have in mind?